Life at Portland State University from student bloggers and social media writers

Two jobs, 14 credits and no time

Time, it seems to be one of those things you never have enough of – especially if you’re a full-time, out-of-state student with two jobs, like me.

College is definitely not cheap. I am taking 14 credits this term, and for an undergraduate Oregon resident, tuition is on average $2,030. For an out-of-state student, tuition is on average $6,860. That’s more than $4,800 of a difference I have to somehow pay. Thank you, financial aid!

Yes, I realize that I could have chosen a school closer to my hometown to save money. However, I wanted to explore different places, and I fell in love with Portland. It also doesn’t help that living in Portland is somewhat expensive.

So what is my solution to this problem? Work two different jobs before and after classes. That doesn’t really leave me with a whole lot of time to study and to just stop, breathe and relax. However, I am thankful one of my jobs is right on campus and I work with a staff that understands. They emphasize how important school is and want us to succeed.

I know I am not alone in feeling the struggle of working two or more jobs to help pay for school and other expenses. What are your tips for balancing your time between work and school?

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3 thoughts on “Two jobs, 14 credits and no time”

I feel you! My first term was in the Fall. I am a mother of two younger children, one with special needs, and worked 40 hours a week while attending night classes full time as well. It is a challenge! This term I am thinking about quitting my job and getting a part time job on campus and hopefully make it through financially with the help of student loans. Being a mother is very challenging while in school, but it offers more financial assistance then non-parents. I could only imagine trying to go to school with the little resources out there! Perseverance is all that I can say will help and communicating with those around you if you need help! Keep your chin up and welcome to Portland!

You pose a very good question.There’s a lot of self convincing, and a lot of time management that happens behind the scenes. You give up fun activities with friends or you start scheduling work-hangout sessions with them. You start using productivity tools like Asana, google keep, and all google products so you have your notes with you at all times. 😀 That’s at least I do. I graduated last year from PSU, and now I’m doing my Masters here too. I think a key component to success in school is building relationships with the people that teach you. I know now that teachers really want their students to succeed and pass the class with good grades, but our lives do not always let us be focused on our studies. We also need support from our peers, our closest friends, and family. Having a to-go-to person when you feel like you no longer have energy to continue, and who will be honest enough to tell you “you probably won’t be better off being a beach-bum in Hawaii,” is really important. Finally, go the extra mile, get to know your peers and teacher, never be afraid to ask for help, and apply to all the scholarships available. And, do not take UNSUBSIDIZED LOANS.
Cheers,
G